Housing

Living On or Off Campus?

While all freshmen must live on campus, most upperclass, exchange and transfer students have to live off campus

Due to the limited amount of beds and rooms on campus as well as the short selection period it is very difficult to obtain on-campus housing if you are a returning on new upperclass student. To guarantee that you live on-campus, you must sign a housing contract. Once you have signed a housing contract you may opt to participate in exciting theme housing options. For more information, consult the Office of Residence Life website.

The office of Off Campus Life (OCL) office is there to assist students with their off-campus search and with their overall off campus living experience which is why you should consult these two sites:

Off Campus Lifewebsite provides some useful information related to how and what to keep in mind when conducting a housing search, as well as adjusting to life with new roommates, etc…

What should I do over the breaks?

This question will be especially relevant to those of who of you who will be living on-campus since the residence halls do close during the breaks.

Ask Your Friends/Roommates

Ask your roommates or friends what their plans are and if you could join them! Don't be intimidated to ask them because it is common to join a friends family to celebrate Thanksgiving and other holidays in U.S.

Option #1: Simply ask Hey, what are you doing for Thanksgiving? and they will ask you back for your plan. Tell them that you don't know anyone in the U.S., and that you are trying to find a place to stay. Many of them will be happy to ask you to join them.

Option #2: Explain your situation and ask for suggestions Hey, you know I don't have a place to stay during Thanksgiving break since I don't have a family here in the States, do you have any idea where I could go during the break? They might ask you to come and join their family or they might know someone who would love to have you.

Option #3: Be straight forward! Ask them I would love to experience a traditional Thanksgiving celebration with an American family, so do you think I can come over to your place for the break? And if you want, you can visit me in my country to experience my culture too!

Take this time to explore the U.S.

Make a plan to travel with your friends and explore different parts of the U.S. Considering

Staying at a hostel especially if you are concerned about money - Hostels can be found everywhere, and they are a lot cheaper than hotels.

Alternative Break Programs Choose a trip according to a specific interest of yours such as: hunger and homelessness, the environment, resettlement issues, children and youth, health issues, etc¦ and travel to the specific location dealing with this one interest of yours and contribute your time and energy to support it.

If these options fail, stop by the International Student Scholar Services office,